SY 26/27 Managing Director of Operations

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Managing Director of Operations (MDO) will play a critical leadership role at KIPP Kansas City, ensuring all non-instructional operations are aligned with the organization's mission and goals. The MDO will develop and execute a strategic vision for school operations, covering areas such as facilities, technology, student attendance, student recruitment, compliance, auxiliary services (food and transportation) and more. This role centers on driving operational efficiency while nurturing a culture of care, equity, and excellence for both staff and students. The MDO collaborates with the Chief of Talent and Compliance, Chief Academic Officer, and the Chief Schools Officer to ensure operational success, ultimately contributing to a learning environment that supports educational justice and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities: 

Operational Leadership & Team Management

• Lead the development and execution of KIPP KC’s long-term operational strategy, ensuring alignment with academic and cultural objectives.
• Develop a people-centered, values-based culture that supports staff sustainability, retention, and development.
• Lead, manage, and coach the school operations team including facilities, front office, custodial, technology, and vendors.
• Build scalable and equitable operational systems, policies, and procedures that support high academic achievement.
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to manage budgets, oversee operational priorities, and align resources with strategic goals.
• Serve as a thought partner to the leadership team, anticipating challenges, influencing decision-making, and driving forward operational priorities.
• Manage the school's food service program (NSLP compliance) and transportation logistics (busing).
•  Supervise school nursing staff and health records compliance.

Facilities & Safety

• Ensure all facilities operate safely and efficiently, adhering to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage janitorial, maintenance, and landscaping teams or vendors to ensure a clean, dignified learning environment.
• Oversee school safety protocols, including emergency drills, security personnel, and surveillance systems.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and repair plans to optimize building functionality.
• Lead long-term facility planning, including renovations or new construction.

Student Recruitment & Enrollment

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to drive the student recruitment and registration process to meet enrollment targets.
• Oversee all aspects of the enrollment and transfer processes, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
• Collaborate with the family engagement team to ensure a seamless enrollment experience.

Operational Efficiency, Technology, & Student Data Management

• Partner with the Data Team to manage accurate and compliant student data.
• Oversee operational support for State Testing logistics and all major student assessments.
• Oversee the Student Information System (SIS) for accurate attendance, grading, and state reporting.
• Ensure technology and equipment needs for both staff and students are met and aligned with academic goals.
• Ensure students and staff have reliable hardware and high-speed connectivity.

Transportation & Family Services

• Oversee student transportation, including arrival and dismissal procedures, field trips, and athletics.
• Manage communication channels between schools and families, ensuring timely and efficient information sharing.

Budget Management & Compliance

• Collaborate with the finance team to manage the operational budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Lead the implementation of emergency procedures and ensure all staff are trained on safety protocols.
• Ensure the school meets all federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements (e.g., Title I funding, audits).
• Oversee vendor contracts, purchasing systems, and inventory management to ensure cost-efficiency.

Culture of Equity & Inclusion

• Champion equity and inclusion in all operational practices, ensuring that systems and policies are accessible to all members of the school community.
• Implement operational changes with a focus on cultural responsiveness, fostering an environment where students and staff from diverse backgrounds thrive.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education leadership, or a related field (Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience preferred)
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in school operations leadership, with a proven track record of success 
• 7+ years of professional experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role (preferably in education, non-profit, or a complex operational environment).
• Experience working in a multi-school setting (Pre-K-12 preferred)
• Certified School Business Official (SBO) or Facility Management Professional (FMP) certifications are often desired.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment:  Upholds KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.
• Strategic Thinker: Manage both today’s priorities and long-term organizational goals.
• Change Management: Excel at anticipating challenges and proactively addressing them to ensure smooth transitions.
• Equity Lens: Ensure all operational decisions prioritize people and promote inclusive practices.
• Culture Champion: Foster an environment of care, transparency, and collaboration across teams.
• Excellent Communicator: Natural relationship builder and comfortable working and effectively communicating across teams and functions to drive impact.
• Organization: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Management: Strong background in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams. Are detail-oriented, fastidious thinkers who love building systems that work.
• Mindset: Are detail-oriented, fastidious thinkers who love building systems that work.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms